Meanwhile, Chris Saxon commented: "Is Gary Lineker about to audition for a part in the Three Musketeers or has he forgot to shave?"

Paul Tanner waded in with: "Has Gary Lineker lost a bet to have that goatee?"

The former Fox originally ignored the ribbing and stood by his beard.

But it only provoked an even bigger social media assault.

He had earlier declared the look was a tribute to BBC football grandees Des Lynam and Jimmy Hill as part of the MOTD 50th anniversary celebrations.

"Gary's Goatee" has gained so much notoriety it now boasts its very own Twitter account @linekersgoatee.

In one of its most recent posts, it declared: "Gary's always getting Walkers salt & vinegar crisp crumbs in me. I hate that flavour as well, I've always been more of a prawn cocktail fan."

Another said: "To all those referring to me as a beard, I'm a goatee. Me and GaryLineker are fine with how we look."

Even Gary's colleagues have joined in the fun with some gentle barracking.

Match of the Day 2 presenter Mark Chapman, posting an image of an electric razor next to a toilet bag in the MOTD studio dressing room, tweeted Gary with: "Just wondering if you want me to put the shaver into your make-up bag."

Comedian Russell Brand, however, was among those backing Gary's goatee, referring to MOTD's 50th anniversary, by tweeting: "This is a new era!"

By Saturday night, the pressure looked to be getting to Gary, who posted: "Seems like the overall verdict was great show, c**p goatee. It's going."

But not if Mrs Lineker, Danielle, has anything to do with it.

She tweeted: "Currently wrestling the razor from him. Like the Robin Hood look."

By yesterday, however, amid the excitement of football's transfer deadline day, the goatee's future remained undecided, with Gary tweeting: "Considering a substantial offer for the goatee. Time is of the essence... could be a close shave!"

It is not the first time Gary has sparked a facial hair furore.

Back in 2011, he prompted a round of light-hearted abuse by sporting a pencil moustache and chin hair combo.

4 comments

Who cares. Maybe he is experimenting for the upcoming Movember. Take the mick out of that now, ey?
Seriously, who cares about his facial hair. Guy is a legend for Leicester regardless of his own personal choices.

From The BBC Website of done deals Kris Scoot Swansea to Leicester/ Tom Lawrence and Nick Powell both Manchester United to Leicester There was a rumour on BBC East Midlands today last night that City were after Jemain Defoe but nothing on that on the website